Never one to sit on their laurels, Chevy took critics at their word to bring the C4 Corvette back for a second year full of improvements in 1985.
Ownership costs for a 1985 Corvette
Figuring out the cost of ownership for cars like the 1985 Corvette is not as simple as doing so for newer vehicles. Rather than calculating costs associated with depreciation, financing, and fuel, you need to consider those associated with maintenance, storage, and repairs.
Initially, new owners will have the cost of the vehicle itself, which originally sold at $24,403. Today, a mint condition 1985 Corvette could cost you as much as $21K, but buyers can usually find well-kept ‘Vettes for around $7K to $9K.
If you’re planning to keep the car and insure it as a classic, you’ll also need to be sure you budget for storage.
Where to buy a 1985 Corvette
What does the 1985 Corvette bring to the table?
The 1985 Corvette features two major upgrades from the 1984 model year. The poor-performing Cross-Fire Injection System was replaced by what essentially amounted to a German Bosch fuel-injection system to improve performance, and modifications to the spring and shock rates addressed issues with suspension.
Strengths and weaknesses of the 1985 Corvette
Here are the standout features for those in the market for a 1985 Corvette—the good and the bad.
Improvements to the C4’s suspension resulted in the 1985 Corvette sitting three-quarters of an inch closer to the ground. This resulted in a reduced drag coefficient, which allowed the ‘Vette to reach up to 150 mph.
The redesigned Tuned Port Injection system that replaced the defunct Cross-Fire system boosted the engine's performance to the tune of 25 horsepower and 40 foot-pounds of torque.
Apparently, buyers weren’t the only ones coveting Corvettes. About 7% of all 1984 and 1985 Corvettes were stolen.
The bottom line—which 1985 Corvette to buy
Early model builds didn’t offer nearly as many trim options as we see today. In 1985, buyers could choose the C4 Corvette Coupe L98 or the L98 with the Z51 Performance Package added. Based on the improvements Chevy made to the suspension for 1985, you might opt for the Z51 add-on, but either trim is an excellent option.
How to save money on car insurance for the 1985 Corvette
On average, Jerry users save about $887 a year on car insurance.